Abstract: The lower reaches of the Yangtze River are widely distributed with polders, numerous towns and dense water networks. In the flood season, this region is threatened by local rainstorms, floods from the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River and the high tides of the Yangtze River estuary and coastal areas. At present, a flood defense system has been constructed. In this system, river, lakes and sea embankments are acted as the basic barrier. Reservoirs, lakes and flood detention areas are acted as the flood storage spaces. The Yangtze River main channel and major tributaries are acted as the flood discharge channels. Various gates acted as supporting facilities. However, the event of great basin-wide flood in 2020, several problems of this system exposed. Some weaknesses in flood control projects in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River are still evident. Prominent contradiction exists between flood storage and discharge. Collaborative governance among various sub areas and flood control works united operation is insufficient. Also, flood disaster risk prevention and control are rather weak. Additionally, the region faces the complex challenges of climate and hydrology changes and also the socio-economic conditions. To strengthen the integrated regulation and control of flood risk and enhance resilience in responding to great floods, it is necessary to consolidate the flood barriers and main discharge channels of the Yangtze River and scientifically optimize the flood storage and discharge spatial pattern of various sub catchments. Flood infrastructure improvement should be accelerated. Flood control and management should be more coordinated spatially. Flood risk prevention and control should be enhanced. Finally, intelligent flood management is required. At the same time, systematic and in-depth research should be conducted to address major flood technology issues.